Seahawks Lose Sam Darnold After 5 Snaps, Turning to Drew Lock in 7-0 Opener Deficit

Q: Could early X-rays on Sam Darnold's hip derail the Seahawks' Super Bowl defense before the 2026 season even truly begins?

Yes — it could, but it is far too early to say that Seattle’s title defense is derailed. The immediate concern is real because Darnold is not just Seattle’s starter; he was a central reason for the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run and entered 2026 as the stabilizing piece in an offense already adjusting to a new coordinator and personnel turnover. His exit after only five snaps, followed by a limp to the tent and locker room, is exactly the kind of Week 1 disruption a contender fears. What raises the stakes is the early reporting around the injury. NBC said Darnold was undergoing X-rays on his right leg, with concern centering on the hip. NFL injury analyst David Chao said the mechanism looked consistent with a right hip issue and specifically hoped imaging would rule out a posterior wall acetabular fracture — a far more serious outcome than a bruise or minor strain. There is still no official diagnosis, and that uncertainty matters: X-rays can just as easily be precautionary or aimed at ruling out the worst-case scenario. If imaging shows only a short-term injury, Seattle still has enough around him to stay afloat. Mike Macdonald’s defense remains the team’s foundation, and Drew Lock is an experienced backup in a quarterback room that also includes Jalen Milroe. But if Darnold is facing a significant hip injury, the Seahawks’ repeat hopes take an immediate hit because their offensive continuity and quarterback edge were key parts of their championship formula.

3 articles · Updated · NFL.com · Sep 10

Sam Darnold was ruled out shortly before halftime of Seattle's opener after a hip injury ended his night on the Seahawks' first drive.
Dre'Mont Jones sacked Darnold on third down during a five-play, 30-yard series; Darnold later limped to the locker room after initially being listed questionable.
Darnold finished 1 of 2 for 13 yards, and Seattle announced he would not return with New England leading 7-0.
Drew Lock took over at quarterback after attempting only 3 passes for the defending champions last season, though he started 2 games for Seattle in 2023.